What Nicotine Strength Should I Vape? Find Your E-Liquid
Switching to vaping is a significant step, and one of the crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid. Whether you're looking to switch to vaping from cigarettes or are new to vaping, understanding nicotine levels and how they relate to your needs is essential for a satisfying vaping experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to decide on the right strength of vape juice and e-liquid.
Understanding Nicotine in a Vape
Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to grasp how nicotine functions within vape liquids. Unlike the complex chemical composition of traditional cigarette smoke, e-liquid typically contains just a few core ingredients. These are: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and optionally, nicotine.
The nicotine content in e-liquid is meticulously measured and clearly displayed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). This straightforward measurement indicates the precise amount of nicotine that is present in each single millilitre of the liquid. For instance, an e-liquid labelled as '10mg' contains 10 milligrams of nicotine in every millilitre of the solution. Understanding this mg of nicotine concentration is fundamental. As it directly translates to the amount of nicotine delivery you'll receive with each vape.
By knowing the nicotine level of your vape juice, you gain the ability to effectively control your overall nicotine intake and, importantly, find a strength e-liquid that adequately meets your individual needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to quit smoking, manage cravings, or simply enjoy vaping.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Nicotine Strength
Several factors will influence the best nicotine strength for you:
- Your Previous Smoking Habits: If you're switching from smoking to vaping, your previous cigarette consumption is a key indicator. Heavy smokers will likely need a higher nicotine strength initially. While light smokers can start with a lower nicotine option.
- Your Goals for Vaping: Are you looking to quit smoking entirely, reduce your nicotine intake, or simply enjoy vaping? Your goals will influence whether you need a higher level to manage nicotine cravings or if you can start with a lower level.
- The Type of Vape Kit You Use: The type of vape device affects how efficiently nicotine is absorbed. Pod systems and smaller devices often pair well with higher strength nic salt e-liquids. While sub-ohm devices produce more vapour and are typically used with lower strength freebase nicotine vape juices.
- Your Personal Preference: Some people are more sensitive to nicotine than others. Experimenting with different strengths is crucial to find what feels comfortable and provides a satisfying nicotine hit, without being overwhelming.
Choose The Right Nicotine Strengths Based on Smoking Habits
While individual needs vary, here's a general guideline to help you select the correct nicotine strength:
- Heavy Smokers (1+ Pack a Day): Starting with a higher nicotine strength like 20mg in nic salt e-liquid or 18mg freebase can effectively manage cravings when making the switch to vaping.
- Moderate Smokers (Around 10-20 Cigarettes a Day): A nicotine level of 10mg to 15mg in nic salt or 6mg to 12mg in freebase nicotine might be a good starting point.
- Light Smokers (Less than 10 Cigarettes a Day): Consider a lower nicotine strength of 6mg to 10mg in nic salt or 3mg to 6mg in freebase nicotine.
- Social Smokers or Those Looking to Quit Nicotine: You might start with a low nicotine strength of 3mg in freebase nicotine or consider nicotine free vape liquids.

Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine: Strength Considerations
The type of nicotine in your e-liquid also plays a role:
- Nicotine Salt E-Liquids: Nic salt e-liquids allow for higher nicotine concentrations (up to 20mg in the UK) with a smoother throat hit. They are absorbed more quickly, providing a faster nicotine hit and are often preferred by those switching from smoking to vaping.
- Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids: Freebase nicotine products are typically used at lower levels (3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg) as higher strengths can be harsh. It is more the traditional e-liquid option.
Finding Your Sweet Spot: Experimentation is Key
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what nicotine strength should I vape? It’s crucial to experiment and pay attention to your body's signals.
- Start Low and Go Slow: If you're unsure, it's always best to start with a lower nicotine strength and gradually increase if needed.
- Monitor Your Cravings: If you experience nicotine cravings between vaping sessions, you might need a higher nicotine strength.
- Pay Attention to Throat Hit: A harsh throat hit could indicate that your nicotine level is too high, especially with freebase nicotine.
- Consider Your Device: Ensure your vape kit is compatible with your chosen e-liquid strength. High-powered devices can make even lower strengths feel stronger.
Gradually Reducing Your Nicotine Intake
If your goal is to quit smoking or reduce your nicotine intake, vaping offers the flexibility of gradually reducing the strength of your e-liquid. You can start with a nicotine level that satisfies your cravings and then gradually step down to lower nicotine strengths over time, eventually reaching nicotine free options.
Making the Switch:
Finding Your Ideal Nicotine Strength After the Disposable Vape Ban
With the impending ban on disposable vapes in the UK, many vapers are looking to switch to vaping using refillable devices and e-liquids. If you're one of them, understanding nicotine strength is crucial for a smooth transition. Disposable vapes often utilize nicotine salt e-liquids with a high nicotine strength. Typically around 20mg, to deliver a quick and satisfying nicotine hit that mimics the experience of cigarettes.
When choosing e-liquid for your new vape kit, it's important to consider the nicotine level you're accustomed to from disposable vapes. Starting with a nic salt e-liquid at a similar higher nicotine strength at 20mg, can help replicate the nicotine delivery and throat hit you're familiar with. This can make the switch to vaping feel more natural. Also helping to manage cravings effectively.
However, it's also an opportunity to re-evaluate your nicotine intake. If you're looking to quit nicotine eventually, transitioning to a refillable vape kit allows for a gradual reduction in nicotine strength. You might start with a 20mg nic salt and then step down to 10mg or even 5mg over time. Giving you more control over your vaping journey.
Keep in mind the type of vape device you choose. Pod systems are generally well-suited for nic salt e-liquids and can effectively deliver higher levels of nic. If you opt for a sub-ohm vape kit, which produces more vapour, starting with a low nic freebase e-liquid, such as 3mg or 6mg, is often recommended to avoid an overwhelming nicotine hit.
Ultimately, the goal is to find the right nicotine strength that satisfies your nicotine cravings, without being too harsh or unenjoyable. Experimenting with different strengths and types of nicotine will help you discover the perfect e-liquid. Making your transition away from disposable vapes a successful and enjoyable one.
Vape Kits At EDGE
View allExploring the 0mg Option: Vaping Without Nicotine
If you looking to kick out nicotine altogether, then there is an option for you too. 0mg e-liquids present a viable and increasingly popular choice. These e-liquids contain the lowest nicotine strength level possible – ZERO. Although nicotine and vaping are very closely linked, it’s important to recognize that it's not a mandatory component. The strength of nicotine in your e-liquid is entirely customizable, and for some, the strength is ideal at 0mg.
Choosing e-liquids without much nicotine allows vapers to focus purely on the flavour and the physical sensation of vaping. Whether you're looking to gradually reduce your nicotine intake from higher nicotine levels or you've never used nicotine, 0mg vape juice strength offers a way to enjoy the hobby without the level of nicotine.
When browsing e-liquids, you’ll notice that the milligrams of nicotine included are clearly marked. Selecting a bottle with 0mg ensures that you’re getting a product free from this form of nicotine. This option is particularly appealing for those who have successfully transitioned away from nicotine but still enjoy the social aspect, or the hand-to-mouth action associated with vaping.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not your e-liquid should contain nicotine is a personal one. With 0mg options readily available, vapers have the freedom to choose a nicotine strength that aligns with their individual preferences and goals. Proving that a satisfying vaping experience isn't always tied to the presence of nicotine.
0mg E-Liquids
View allWhere to Buy E-Liquids with Different Strengths
A vape shop is a solid place to start. Many have very knowledgeable staff who could assist you. However, you don't need to leave your home for expert advice.
Here at EDGE, we work hard to provide as much advice and support as we can. With hundreds of blog posts regarding vaping and a dedicated customer service team that are on hand to support and advise.
We have a wide range of e-liquids available in our online vape store. They are also in a variety of nicotine strengths. We are sure to have a flavour and strength that will work for you. With classic freebase options such as British Tobacco and Menthol or a blast of fruity flavour with our Blueberry Sour Raspberry Ice.
Conclusion:
Choosing the Right Vape Nicotine Strength for Your Needs
Choosing the right nicotine strength is a personal journey that significantly impacts your vaping experience. By considering your smoking history, goals, device, and personal preferences, you can find the e-liquid nicotine strength that provides satisfaction and helps you achieve your vaping goals. Remember to start low, experiment, and adjust as needed to find your ideal vape nicotine levels.